DOCSLIB.ORG

Distribution, Phenotype and Factors Influencing the Production Potential of Nguni Sheep

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Distribution, Phenotype and Factors Influencing the Production Potential of Nguni Sheep DISTRIBUTION, PHENOTYPE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF NGUNI SHEEP by PETER ANDREW OOSTHUIZEN Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (AGRICULTURE), ANIMAL SCIENCE in the SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE at the UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL Pietermaritzburg November 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUPERVISORS…………………………………………………………………………... viii DECLARATION…………………………………………………………………………… ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………………………... x PREFACE………………………………………………………………………………….. xi DISSERTATION SUMMARY……………………………………………………………. xii CONFERENCE ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………. xv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS…………………………………………………………….. xvii LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………...……….. xix LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………...………………………… xxiii CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 1 1.1 PREAMBLE................................................................................................... 1 1.2 BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION ........................................................ 2 1.3 GENERAL AIM AND OBJECTIVES .............................................................. 3 1.3.1 Aim ......................................................................................................... 3 1.3.2 Objectives ............................................................................................... 4 1.3.3 Hypotheses ............................................................................................. 4 1.4 STRUCTURE OF THE DISSERTATION ...................................................... 4 1.5 REFERENCES .............................................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................... 8 2.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 8 2.2 HISTORY ...................................................................................................... 9 2.2.1 Migration Routes ..................................................................................... 12 2.3 GENOTYPE ............................................................................................... 15 2.3.1 Genetic similarity and diversity between breeds ................................... 16 2.3.2 Previous DNA work done ...................................................................... 16 2.4 PHENOTYPE .............................................................................................. 17 2.5 PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY ...................................................................... 20 2.6 REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 24 ii CHAPTER 3: A SURVEY OF NGUNI SHEEP OWNERS IN FOUR AGRO- ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN KWAZULU-NATAL ......................................................... 30 3.1 ABSTRACT ................................................................................................. 30 3.2 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 31 3.3 MATERIAL AND METHODS ....................................................................... 33 3.3.1. Study area .............................................................................................. 33 3.3.2 Methodology ........................................................................................... 33 3.3.3 Data Collection ..................................................................................... 33 3.3.4 Statistical Analysis ................................................................................ 33 3.4 RESULTS.................................................................................................... 34 3.4.1. Distribution and prevalence of Nguni sheep in KZN ............................. 34 3.4.2 Description of study sites (Bioresource groups present in the different study zones) ......................................................................................... 34 3.4.2.1 Nkandla (BRG 5, 8 and 12) ............................................................... 34 3.4.2.2 Nongoma (BRG 15, 16 and 22) ......................................................... 37 3.4.2.3 Msinga (BRG 18 and 21) ................................................................... 38 3.4.2.4 Ingwavuma (BRG 1, 22 and 23) ........................................................ 39 3.4.3. Flock size and composition per zone .................................................... 41 3.4.4 Responses of sheep owners regarding: ............................................... 41 3.4.4.1. Supplementary nutrition and kraaling ............................................. 41 3.4.4.2 Basic animal health ........................................................................... 42 3.4.4.3 Breeding ............................................................................................ 44 3.4.4.4 Use of animal products .................................................................. 45 3.4.4.5 Reasons for keeping sheep ............................................................... 46 3.5 DISCUSSION .............................................................................................. 47 3.6 CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................... 51 3.7 REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 52 CHAPTER 4: PHENOTYPIC STUDY OF NGUNI SHEEP ...................................... 55 4.1 ABSTRACT ................................................................................................ 55 4.2 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 56 4.3 MATERIAL AND METHODS ....................................................................... 59 4.3.1 Assessment sites .................................................................................. 59 iii 4.3.1.1 The Makhathini Research Station ..................................................... 59 4.3.1.2 The Dundee Research Station .......................................................... 61 4.3.2 Animals ................................................................................................. 62 4.3.3. Methods ................................................................................................ 63 4.3.3.1 The Phenotypic characteristics assessment ....................................... 63 4.3.3.2 Live weight predictions ....................................................................... 63 4.3.4 Herd management practices ................................................................. 65 4.3.4.1 Makhathini Research Station............................................................. 65 4.3.4.2 Dundee Research Station ................................................................. 65 4.3.5 Data collected ....................................................................................... 65 4.3.5.1 Phenotypic characteristics assessment ............................................. 65 4.3.5.2 Live weight prediction ........................................................................ 66 4.4 Statistical analysis ....................................................................................... 66 4.5 RESULTS.................................................................................................... 66 4.5.1 Site climatic conditions ......................................................................... 66 4.5.1.1 MRS .................................................................................................. 67 4.5.1.2 DRS ................................................................................................... 68 4.5.2 Qualitative traits – sheep evaluation ..................................................... 69 4.5.2.1 Tail appearance ................................................................................. 69 4.5.2.2 Facial profiles: ................................................................................... 70 4.5.2.3 Back profiles: ..................................................................................... 71 4.5.2.4 Predominant coat colouring and pattern ............................................ 72 4.5.3 QUANTITATIVE TRAITS ...................................................................... 74 4.5.3.1 Head length, head width and ear length ............................................ 74 4.5.3.2 Horns ................................................................................................. 74 4.5.3.3 Shoulder height, body length and pelvis width .................................. 74 4.5.3.4 Heart girth ......................................................................................... 75 4.5.3.5 Tail lengths and width ........................................................................ 75 4.5.4 Live weight predictions ......................................................................... 76 iv 4.5.4.1 The relationship between heart girth (cm) and live weight (All adult sheep) ………………………………………………………………………………76 4.5.4.2 Accuracy of a goat weight band to determine the live weight of Nguni sheep (kg sheep-1). ........................................................................... 77 4.6 DISCUSSION .............................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Report of the Regional Inception Workshop of the Project Animal Genetics
    2013 REGIONAL INCEPTION WORKSHOPS REPORT Southern Africa African Union, Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources 1 AFRICAN UNION EUROPEAN COMMISSION INTERAFRICAN BUREAU FOR ANIMAL RESOURCES AU-IBAR Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to Conservation and Sustainable Utilisation of African Animal Genetic Resources Report of the Regional Inception Workshop of the Project Animal Genetics Gaborone, Botswana 26th to 27th November 2013 April 2014 2 Table of Contents AFRICAN UNION INTERAFRICAN BUREAU FOR ANIMAL RESOURCES ..... 2 AU-IBAR ........................................................................................................................... 2 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 4 Acronyms ........................................................................................................................ 5 Executive summary ............................................................................................................. 6 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 6 Workshop proceedings ........................................................................................................ 8 Opening ceremony .............................................................................................................. 8 Remarks by Ministry of Agriculture ..............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Trade and Interaction on the Eastern Cape Frontier: an Historical Archaeological Study of the Xhosa and the British During the Early Nineteenth Century
    TRADE AND INTERACTION ON THE EASTERN CAPE FRONTIER: AN HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE XHOSA AND THE BRITISH DURING THE EARLY NINETEENTH CENTURY 0.i\ By. FLORDELIZ T BUGARIN A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2002 Copyright 2002 by Flordeliz T. Bugarin This is dedicated to Cris Bugarin, my mom. Tern Bugarin, my father, and Marie Bugarin, my sister. Thank you for being the family that supports me. Also, this is in memory of my Uncle Jack who died while I was in South Africa. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Researching and writing this dissertation gave me an incredible chance to meet some generous, warm, and intelligent people. From South Africa to California to Florida, I have met people who challenged me, motivated me, and supported me. To them, I offer my heartfelt thanks. My advisor, longtime teacher, and good friend, Peter Schmidt, gave me unending support, faith in my abilities, encouragement when I had doubt, and advice when I needed direction I appreciate the many hours he set aside to advise me, seriously consider my ideas no matter how esoteric, and shape the development of my writing • skills. I thank him for pulling together my committee when I needed them and for choosing a cohort of students who will be my close, life long colleagues. I am very gratefiil for the opportunity to work with Hunt Davis. His enthusiasm, warm nature, and love for South Africa gave me inspiration and encouragement.
    [Show full text]
  • CBD Sixth National Report
    SIXTH NATIONAL REPORT i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Eswatini’s Sixth National Report (6NR) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) has been compiled by the Project Management Unit. The 6NR is a compilation of the contributions that have been made by the different stakeholders that are working on the issues that are in relation to the country’s customized Aichi Targets, as highlighted in the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan, Two (NBSAP 2). Data collection from stakeholders was done through the bilateral consultative meetings that were held between stakeholders and the project team, the regional workshops and a national workshop. The compilation of the 6NR has been managed and supervised by Ms. Hlobsile Sikhosana, who is the UNCBD Focal Point and Chief Environmental Coordinator in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Special appreciation is extended to Mr. Emmanuel Dlamini, who is the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Also appreciated are the members of the Project Steering Committee and the members of the Technical Committee. We further acknowledge the support and guidance from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) especially from Mr Antony Kamau. The acknowledged project team and committees’ members that played a significant role in compiling the report are: 1. Project Team: - Mr Thabani Mazibuko, Mr Prince Mngoma, Mrs Xolile Lokotfwako, Mr Mpendulo Hlandze, Ms Baphelele Dlamini and Mr Lindani Mavimbela (Lead Consultant). 2. Project Steering Committee: - Ms Constance Dlamini, Ms Sanelisiwe Mamba, Ms Turu Dube, Mr Sifiso Msibi, Mr Vumile Magimba, Mr Freddy Magagula, Mr Christopher Mthethwa, Mr Musa Mbingo, Mr Sandile Gumede, Mr Leslie Balinda, Mr Stephen Khumalo, Mr Bongani Magongo and Dr Themb’alilahlwa Mahlaba.
    [Show full text]
  • CONTRIBUTION of ESWATINI DAIRY BOARD in ESWATINI (SWAZILAND): a CASE STUDY of SMALL SCALE DAIRY FARMERS Ajay S
    Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Science Edition ISSN : 1673-064X CONTRIBUTION OF ESWATINI DAIRY BOARD IN ESWATINI (SWAZILAND): A CASE STUDY OF SMALL SCALE DAIRY FARMERS Ajay S. Singh, Douglas Kibirige, Mdluli Nosipho N. Department of AEM, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, Luyengo Campus, Luyengo M205, Eswatini (Swaziland). ABSTRACT Dairy production is an important activity in Eswatini (Swaziland) as it is a source of income and employment generation for small and marginal farmers. For catalysing improved performance of the Dairy industry in Eswatini, Eswatini Dairy Board was established. This study aims at contributing to the scanty information related to the contribution of EDB on small-scale dairy farmers’ performance. The study used descriptive and quantitative research design to analyse the contribution of Eswatini Dairy Board on small-scale dairy farmers’ performance in Manzini, of Eswatini (Swaziland).The present analysis also highlighted the challenges faced by the dairy farmers. The present study was based on 88 dairy farmers. In those 88 dairy farmers, 67 were supported by EDB and small-scale dairy farmers and 21 were not supported by EDB dairy farmers (Non-EDB members). Results indicated that majority of the dairy farmers were male with mean age of 52 years and majority of these farmers had attained high school education. In terms of EDB contribution to farmers’ productivity, results indicate that farmers supported by EDB were producing 2 more litres of milk per cow than non-EDB supported farmers, and the mean difference in milk output per cow was significant (P<0.01). The findings further showed that EDB supported farmers were earning significantly more profit (E1 649 per cow/month) compared to EDB non-supported farmers (E1 329 per cow/month), indicating a significant difference of E320 (P<0.01).
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of the Indigenous Breeds for Beef Production in Southern Africa
    THE ROLE OF THE INDIGENOUS BREEDS FOR BEEF PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA In this paper I propose to discussthe perf9rmance of been achieved, to the point where, due to their hardiness the indigenous breeds of Southern Africa, wherever possible they give a very good account of themselves in environ- making comparisons with European (exotic) breeds and ments that would preclude the breeding of purebred "exotic" crossbreds. Much of this, I know, will be familiar to you. cattle. Some work has been carried out to compare Euro- However,it is an opportunity to look at the potential of the pean with indigenous breeds, presumably in better environ- indigenous stock and to consider in what way they could ments, e.g. at Omatjenne in South WestAfrica, though only contribute to increased meat production in Southern one indigenous breed - the Africander - was originally Africa. included. (Borstlap 1964, 1969). Vorster's major crossbreed- In discussing the role of the indigenous breeds, there ing study carried out in Rhodesia 20 years ago (Vorster, are 2 points, in particular, to keep in mind: 1964) showed the disadvantages that attended the use of European breeds in a difficult environment. (I) The indigenous breeds form the bulk of the cattle owned by the African peoples through- out Southern Africa; thus, for example Joubert TheInd~enousBreed~ and Boyazoglou (1972) give the number of in- In Table 1 I have listed the 12 basic breeds, with their digenous (or "non developed") cattle in South related breeds or varieties ie: the Landim of Mozambique Africa in 1970 as 4,6 million out of a total of isshown asa variety of the Nguni.
    [Show full text]
  • Recent Research Into the Production Potential of Indigenous Cattle with Special Reference to the Sanga
    Recent research into the production potential of indigenous cattle with special reference to the Sanga S.J. Schoeman Department of Livestock Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa Presented at the Symposium on 'Training of Animal Scientists' at the 27th Annual Congress of the South African Society of Animal Production at the University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein, on 28-31 March 1988 A review based on recent research is presented on the production of Sanga (Nguni) cattle in South and South West Africa. The high calving rate of Sanga cattle (89,6%) compared to an average of 77,4% of four other breeds was the most outstanding feature. Nguni heifers reached puberty much earlier (349,9 days) than Bonsmara (419,0 days) and Drakensberger (407,2 days) breeds. Low calving losses were evident even with an early mating system (12 months). Indigenous cattle breeds are more tick resistant and may possibly be more efficient in production than exotic breeds. Evaluation of indigenous breeds in crossbreeding systems owing to their outstanding maternal performance is recommended. 'n Oorsig gebaseer op die jongste navorsing oor produksie van Sanga(Nguni)-beeste in Suid- en Suidwes-Afrika word aangebied. Die hoe kalfpersentasie van 89,6% vir Sanga-beeste teenoor'n gemiddeld van 77,4% vir vier ander rasse was die mees uitstaande kenmerk. Nguni-verse het puberteit heelwat vroeer (349,9 dae) as Bonsmara- (419,0 dae) en Drakensbergerverse (407,2 dae) bereik. Lae kalfmortaliteit selfs met 'n vroee paringstelsel (12 maande) is aangetoon. Inheemse beesrasse is meer bosluisweerstandbiedend en kan selfs meer doeltreffend in produksie as eksotiese beesrasse wees.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cultural and Symbolic Significance of the African Rhinoceros
    Southern African Humanities 26: 21–55 July 2014 KwaZulu-Natal Museum The cultural and symbolic significance of the African rhinoceros: a review of the traditional beliefs, perceptions and practices of agropastoralist societies in southern Africa Jan C.A. Boeyens and Maria M. van der Ryst Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, Box 392, UNISA, 0003 South Africa; [email protected]; [email protected] ABSTRACT A study of ethnobiological, archaeological, linguistic and historical ethnographic data shows that notions about the cultural and symbolic significance of the African rhinoceros were widely shared among southeastern Bantu speakers and had considerable time depth. African farming communities could draw upon the traits of both the more aggressive and solitary black rhino (Diceros bicornis) and the more sociable and territorial white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) in their conceptualisation of the qualities of leadership. The Mapungubwe gold rhino served as an emblem of sacred leadership in a class-based society. In less-stratified Sotho-Tswana society, the importance of this pachyderm was reflected in its appropriation as a leadership referent in chiefly praise poems, the use of rhino figurines as didactic tools during initiation schools, as well as a plethora of vernacular names and a complex folk taxonomy. Meat cut from the breast of the rhino was the preserve of a chief and a special club of rhino horn was widely employed as a marker of chiefly status. Rhino horns and bones also featured in rainmaking rituals. Monoliths adorning the central courts of nineteenth-century Tswana towns, as well as the walls or courts of Zimbabwe culture and Venda capitals, most probably signified rhino horns, thereby architecturally encapsulating the key qualities of power, danger and protection traditionally associated with African leadership.
    [Show full text]
  • Nguni Cattle Marketing Constraints and Opportunities in the Communal Areas of South Africa: Review
    African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 3 (4), pp. 239-245, April, 2008 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJAR ISSN 1991- 637X © 2008 Academic Journals Review Nguni cattle marketing constraints and opportunities in the communal areas of South Africa: Review L. Musemwa1, A. Mushunje1, M. Chimonyo2, G. Fraser1, C. Mapiye2 and V. Muchenje2 1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University Of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa. 2Department of Livestock and Pasture, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa. Accepted 18 March, 2008 Cattle production is the most important livestock sub-sector in South Africa. It contributes about 25 - 30% to the total agricultural output per annum. However, cattle productivity is declining due to diseases and parasites prevalence, lack of feed resources, and poor breeding and marketing management. To increase sustainability and contribution of cattle in eradicating hunger and poverty in communal areas, there is need to make use of locally adapted breeds. In South Africa’s communal cattle enterprise, the Nguni breed is becoming a very important socio-economic drive for the resource-poor farmers. Nguni cattle development projects have been initiated in South Africa to improve livelihood of communal farmers. However, these projects are mainly concentrating on solving production constraints and ignoring marketing factors. This paper reviews the neglected marketing constraints and opportunities faced by beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle development program. Key words: Auction, Beef, Diseases, Transactional costs, Sustainability. INTRODUCTION Cattle production is the most important livestock sub- 2000; Bester et al., 2003; Muchenje et al., 2008). These sector in South Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • {FREE} the Cape Herders: a History of the Khoikhoi of Southern Africa
    THE CAPE HERDERS: A HISTORY OF THE KHOIKHOI OF SOUTHERN AFRICA PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Emile Boonzaier, Candy Malherbe, Andy Smith, Penny Berens | 155 pages | 01 Mar 1997 | Ohio University Press | 9780821411742 | English | Ohio, United States The Cape Herders: A History of the Khoikhoi of Southern Africa PDF Book Richard Elphick, an historian, has suggested that the difference between Khoikhoi and Soaqua was only one of fortune. For many centuries the early people lived along this river and its tributaries because game was able to graze in the vleie and the berry trees and bulbous plants grew in profusion. Combining the insights of archaeology, history and anthropology, this account ranges from the origins of the Khoikhoi in Southern Africa to the contemporary politics of the Namaqualand 'reserves'. A revival of interest in their own history was sparked in the s and 90s among the people of Namaqualand who won a court case to prevent their common lands being broken up and falling into individual hands. Natural Justice met with Professor Andrew B. Lists with This Book. This page might not be up for much longer so you need to check it out right now. This shows that the Khoikhoi hunted and gathered, but also herded animals. The argument on this side of the debate would say that Nilotic herdsmen found archaeologically on the border between Kenya and Tanzania were the prototype pottery makers for the early ceramics in Southern Africa. The update on the African Environmental Defenders Fund. No ratings or reviews yet No ratings or reviews yet. If the hunters used seals at all, they left their bones down on the beach.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Production Practices of Emerging Cattle Farmers in the Selected Districts of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
    Assessment of production practices of emerging cattle farmers in the selected districts of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa by KATIKATI APHIWE Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree MAGISTER TECHNOLOGIAE: AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT in the Department of Agriculture Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Technology, Free State Supervisor: Prof PJ Fourie (D. Tech. Agric.) BLOEMFONTEIN December 2017 © Central University of Technology, Free State DECLARATION I, Aphiwe Katikati, identity number and student number , do hereby declare that this research project submitted to the Central University of Technology, Free State for the Degree MAGISTER TECHNOLOGIAE: AGRICULTURE, is my own independent work; and complies with the Code of Academic Integrity, as well as other relevant policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the Central University of Technology, Free State; and has not been submitted before to any institution by myself or any other person in fulfilment of the requirements for the attainment of any qualification. Aphiwe Katikati Date Prof PJ Fourie Date (Supervisor) i © Central University of Technology, Free State LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AA Angus Advantage ARC Agricultural Research Council CSG Controlled Selective Grazing CSGWG Cattle Standards and Guidelines Writing Group DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries DC Directorate Communication DRDLR Department of Rural Development and Land Reform ECSER Eastern Cape State of the Environment Report EU European
    [Show full text]
  • Prevalence of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Cattle on Communal
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by South East Academic Libraries System (SEALS) Prevalence of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Cattle on Communal Rangelands in the Highland Areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa By Munyaradzi Christopher Marufu Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science) in the Department of Livestock and Pasture Science Faculty of Science and Agriculture Alice Campus 2008 Supervised by Michael Chimonyo and Kennedy Dzama Declaration Apart from the assistance received that has been reported in the Acknowledgements, References and in the appropriate places in the text, this Dissertation represents the original work of the author. No part of this dissertation has been presented for any other degree at any other University. M. C. Marufu ………………………… Date …………………… Approved by M. Chimonyo ………………………… Date …………………… K. Dzama ………………………… Date …………………… ii Abstract Surveys were conducted to compare the seasonal tick prevalence and loads, and sero-prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Nguni and non-descript cattle on the sweet and sour communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province. The tick species observed on both rangeland types were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (71.0 %), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus ) species (29.2 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (40.2 %). Hyalomma species (19.0 %) occurred only on the sour rangeland. Tick loads were higher (P < 0.05) in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dry season. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower (P < 0.05) tick loads than those in the sour rangeland.
    [Show full text]
  • Living Currency: the Multiple Roles of Livestock in Livelihood Sustenance and Exchange in the Context of Rural Indigenous Communities in Southern Africa
    Southern African Journal of Environmental Education, Vol. 35, 2019 Living currency: The multiple roles of livestock in livelihood sustenance and exchange in the context of rural indigenous communities in southern Africa Soul Shava, University of South Africa, and Sibongile Masuku, Sol Plaatje University, South Africa Abstract Modern national and international monetary currencies continue to be the accepted universal media of exchange globally and, to a large extent, have expanded and displaced indigenous currencies and their roles within some community settings. There are, however, areas where indigenous currencies such as livestock (see Schneider, 1964), are considered as the most significant aspect of traditional economies. This paper explores the past and present roles of livestock as indigenous living currency amongst the Nguni and Shona people of southern Africa, mainly drawn from collaborative autoethnography. It further highlights how livestock currencies used alongside monetary ones have sustained and created multifaceted livelihood strategies of such rural area dwellers through intergenerational learning processes. This is against the background of the global economic instability ushered forth by modern economic practices (Karmin, 2008). The paper suggests that traditional ‘living’ currencies provide a more sustainable economy that enhances the socio-ecological resilience of indigenous rural communities in southern Africa. It also emphasises the need to recognise the coexistence of plural economies beyond the current monopoly of modern capitalist monetary economies. Introduction One common feature among the Bantu people of southern Africa was(is) their agro-pastoral livelihoods, particularly how they value(d) livestock and use(d) it as a medium of exchange in trade and other social activities within the Nguni and Shona community contexts.
    [Show full text]